Some companies have the attitude that employees are replaceable. But the truth is, good employees are not always easily replaced. It is wise to let your best employees know that you appreciate them. There are companies who are well known for providing some of the best work place perks. I don’t know too many businesses in Vero Beach who have the means to provide the perks of Google, but there are still things you can do.
The first is simply to take the time to acknowledge a job well done. As humans, when things are working well we tend to just go along, and we often times only think to say something when things go wrong. It is important to step back every so often, look at what’s happening with your employees, and handing out some thank you’s and atta boys.
Forbes Magazine contributor John Hall says:
“4. Show interest in their significant others. I’ve always been baffled by companies that don’t allow significant others at work events, like Christmas parties. Why would you not want to include your employee’s No. 1 supporter? Work is a lot easier when you have support at home, so I want my employee’s partner to know I appreciate him or her as well.
5. Back them up with clients. We have a “no-a**hole” client policy in our office. If an employee complains about a client treating her poorly, we look into the situation and fire the client if necessary. It doesn’t matter how much a client is paying you — if you have talented employees who know you have their back, you’ll be rewarded with a higher return than your biggest client could ever offer you.
6. Do things that set you apart. Being creative with employee perks can go a long way. It doesn’t have to be costly; it just has to show that you’ve thought about making your employees’ personal or professional lives a little better. To get the creative juices flowing, here’s a list of unique perks other companies have offered employees.
7. Be real and transparent with them. If an employee asks for feedback, be honest — don’t BS him. That doesn’t mean you should be unkind, but shielding employees from the truth will do nothing but hurt them — and your company. Transparency is usually accompanied by a few uncomfortable conversations, but those conversations prove you care enough to deliver the hard truth, which will mean a lot to employees. As a bonus, that truthful and transparent feedback will also garner better results.”
I believe in the saying “treat others the way YOU want to be treated”. If you do that more often than not, you may have employees who stay.
Jennifer Comer
